Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private W. Smith, Essex Regiment

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (1600. Pte. W. Smith. 2/Essex. R.); Khedive’s Star, dated 1884-6, unnamed as issued, nearly very fine (2) £140-£180

William Smith was born in Brentwood, Essex, in 1862, and attested for the 44th Regiment of Foot at Warley on 28 March 1881. Appointed Private in the 2nd Battalion, his Army Service Record notes that he was placed in confinement on 4 July 1881 and subsequently tried by District Court Martial for desertion and losing by neglect articles of kit; found guilty, he was sentenced to 56 days’ hard labour and stoppages.

Posted to Gibraltar, Egypt, Cyprus and Malta, Smith remained with the Essex Regiment and served 12 years with the Colours, including time served as part of the Nile Expeditionary Force of 1884-5. Released on 12 July 1893, his character was described as ‘fair, latterly good (since July 87).’

Sold with copied record of service.